A strong and solid roof above your head is crucial to maintain a comfortable and leak-free home. If replacing your outdated or damaged roof is delayed, it could result in a number of serious and costly problems down the road. A premier roofing and siding contractor suggests watching out for these warning signs to give yourself plenty of time to add roof replacement to your to-do list.
Your Roof Is Approaching the End of Its Life
A standard asphalt shingle roof is expected to last between 20 and 30 years, whereas wood roofs can last for 50 years in dry climates. If the age of your roof is nearing the end of its life span, it’s advisable to prepare for its replacement sooner rather than later — even if it looks relatively fine from the ground. If you happen to live in a development and you see your neighbors starting to replace their roofing, that could be an indication that you should as well.
Shingles on the Roof Are Curling
Curling shingles can appear in two forms: cupping or clawing. Cupping occurs when the edges of the shingles turn upward while clawing occurs when the middle starts to come up but the edges stay flat. A roof repair specialist says that both forms of curling shingles typically result from weathering and indicate that leaks and other moisture-related issues may be on the horizon. Depending on the severity of the curling, it could be a year to five years before you require a completely new roof.
Shingles on the Roof Are Missing
Replacing a few shingles here and there should be no problem. What you need to think about is getting new shingles to match the rest of the roof, especially because the colors of granules embedded in the surface of shingles change over time. You can keep patching up missing shingles until a bigger problem presents itself. However, if your shingles are starting to look severely mismatched so that the curb appeal of your home starts suffering, it might be better to just replace the whole thing.
Shingles on the Roof Are Cracked
Cracked shingles on roofs are usually a result of wind damage. If only a few shingles are affected, you can easily replace them with new ones. But if the cracking is not isolated to one section and it appears randomly throughout the roof, then a simple roof repair service will not do. You should definitely consider getting a new roof soon, say, within three to five years.
Shingle Granules Are Collecting in the Gutters
If you recently installed an asphalt shingle roof and see shingle granules accumulating in your gutters, there is nothing to worry about. It is completely normal to lose granules after installation or as a result of normal weathering. But if it has been 10 to 15 years, granule loss is usually a sign of a bigger problem. Granules help shingles shed water and protect your roof from the effects of prolonged sun exposure. In the event of significant granule loss, water flow will be reduced and your shingles will start to bake, causing your roof to deteriorate rapidly.
Shingles Are Covered With Moss or Algae
The growth of moss or algae on a roof is no reason to panic; it is simply a cosmetic issue. Some homeowners may opt to replace their roof because they do not like how it looks, not to mention most new shingles on the market are algae-resistant. Whatever you decide to do, do not take matters into your own hands by pressure washing the green growth. Doing so can knock off the protective granules, rendering your shingles more susceptible to damage. Consider using a cleaning solution that is part bleach and part water to remove the moss or algae. You can also let expert roofers install zinc strips at roof peaks to act as a barrier against moss, algae and fungus growth.
Sunlight Is Peaking Through the Attic
If sunlight can stream through the roof and into the attic, so can rain, snow and cold air. If this is the case, check for any evidence that moisture is present, such as discoloration or water stains, and watch these issues over a few rainfalls. If there are changes, it means your roof has an active leak that requires attention from a professional. Small, localized leaks can be patched, but larger and persistent leaks often lead to structural damage. It would then be a smart idea to have your roof replaced as soon as possible.
The Roof Is Sagging
Sagging along the roofline is an alarming problem. In some severe cases, it could mean your roof is in imminent danger of collapse. A sagging roof can be reinforced or replaced by professional roofers, depending on the root cause. For example, if water damage is causing your roof to sink, your first step must be to correct the problems that allowed the damage to occur and progress. This could mean replacing overflowing gutters or improving attic ventilation alongside tearing off the existing roof. If your roof is sagging under the weight of multiple layers of shingles, all shingles should be removed before a new roof is installed. This also gives you the opportunity to inspect the roof underlayment and flashing membranes for any damage. Sagging can also result from design flaws, like undersized rafters or insufficient sheathing, that leave the roof unable to support its weight. In a stick frame roof, installing new rafters is sometimes enough to remedy the problem.
Contact a Premier Home Improvement Contractor Today
Pro Quality Construction Inc. is a certified home improvement contractor located in Hamilton, NJ. Whether you need to replace your aging or damaged roof or install new siding, gutters or skylights on your home, we have got you covered. Our team will be glad to discuss your specific needs and walk you through our process. Just give us a call at (844) 499-7878 or fill out our convenient online form to schedule an appointment or request a free estimate.